CIRCLE OF WOLVES is a powerhouse female fronted Heavy Metal band from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. They also use Gothic and Neo-Classical influences in their music. Singer Michelle, guitarist Steven and the not in the line-up mentioned Corey Johnson are the writers of all the tunes. And if one thing becomes very clear from the start, it is that they have written everything you get to hear on their debut album "Circle Of Wolves" with the thoughts of gaining commercial success in the front of their brains. It results in an album on which all you get thrown at you is very slick, very clear, but also very easily accessible. Is that a problem, you ask?

Well, not really, as even though this is a very well thought out concept, the mix of a sound that is weighing heavily on the inheritance of EVANESCENCE, combined with Power Metal does work quite well. And yes, Michelle Johnson does have a very good voice. She has that bit extra in her voice that someone like KATE BUSH and even early SINEAD O'CONNOR used to have. Plus, she has the ability and quality which makes that she knows how to use it to her advantage, as the vocal lines are really good, even if they are as predictable as the world is round.

If CIRCLE OF WOLVES actually wishes to provide themselves with the success they are undoubtedly hoping for, it is quite essential that the production of "Circle Of Wolves" needs to be without fault. To put it simple: mission accomplished. Yes, this does sound impeccable, flawless and energetic. The prefect combination for a band who wishes to make a dent in the musical world they are occupying.

And of course, the songs themselves need to be outstanding. Again, they deserve the praise, as there are no fillers on "Circle The Wolves". Every tune has a story to tell, is filled with exactly the right type of music and is giving out the vibes the band have been aiming for. So, another notch on the post delivered. If I can summarize what I have been hearing during the many listening sessions I took to try and be as fair as possible to CIRCLE OF WOLVES  and "Circle Of Wolves", then I can only conclude that even though this is a little too commercial for my taste, this really is a very good album.